Associate Director Corporate Communications
Chicago, IL - USA
Job Summary
Job Description:
Who Are We
Accelerator a global Division of Mars Snacking is on the front line of unlocking growth across high-potential categories and brands to fuel whats next for Snacking. Its home to both emerging and enduring brands including KIND TRÜ FRÜ NATURES BAKERY RXBAR EGGO POP-TARTS and RICE KRISPIE TREATS. Combining the scale of Mars with the agility of a start-up our Division has the ambition to accelerate the future of snacking by delivering products consumer love today discovering category-shaping innovations for tomorrow and developing entrepreneurial teams whose impact will last for generations.
Were looking for passionate talent who dare to dream big agile collaborators who talk straight and decide fast and driven performers with a growth mindset. Were proudly part of Mars while also building something boldly different. If this inspires and energizes you youve found the right place where you can do cool things with fun people for one of the biggest snacking companies in the world!
What Youll Do
Join our team as the Associate Director Corporate Communications Accelerator Division reporting to the Senior Director Corporate Affairs. You will have the unique responsibility of building external visibility of the Division and driving engagement with key external stakeholders including customers and policy makers. The role will focus on Sustainability Customer and Policy Communication components that enable the reputation and growth of the Division:
Play a critical role in contextualizing Accelerator as a Division within Mars Snacking in support of our reputation and freedom to operate goals. Our primary business is within North America and has the ambition to grow internationally. This role will also work closely with the Corporate Affairs teams in other Mars Snacking regions and the Mars Corporate Public Affairs leads for North America and the EU. This person will also support issues management and work closely with our Business Units CA teams to protect the reputation of our brands and business.
Job Responsibilities
Sustainability & Purpose Communications: Lead strategic storytelling to champion Accelerators and Mars Snackings sustainability progress in service of driving trust and reputation with key stakeholders.
Customer Communications: Enable and support customer engagement and communications. Bring to life key messages specific to Accelerator for our customers events and meetings including the annual National Sales Conference and critical top-to-top meetings.
Corporate Communications: Deploy choiceful high-impact corporate communications through proactive media relations external speaking engagements and strategic thought leadership as relevant to our business and sustainability goals.
Policy Communications: Translate complex corporate governance directives compliance standards and regulatory frameworks into accessible actionable guidance for internal and external audiences.
Public Policy Support: Collaborate with the Public Affairs team to communicate Mars positions on key public policy issues trade and regional regulations.
Crisis & Issue Management:Anticipate reputational risks and establish robust response plans. Provide communications counsel to senior leadership during critical business issues.
Internal Alignment:Ensure our external visibility and thoughtleadershipprogress issufficientlyrepresented in our Accelerator engagement and internal communications.
Qualifications
Bachelors degree in communications marketing journalism or associated profession is required or the equivalent combination of education training and experience that provides the required knowledge skills and abilities. MS/MBA is a plus.
8-10 years relevant professional experience in corporate affairs communications or related fields.
Experience advising and coaching senior leaders.
Strong strategic planning skills a solid understanding of the business and the ability to build and nurture relationships at the highest levels in a corporate environment.
Strong external orientation including experience dealing with media and policy makers.
Experience in sustainability communications including translating technical sustainability programs into compelling storytelling.
Self-starting and collaborative leader who confidently balances strategic and operational priorities thrives in ambiguity exercises sound judgment under pressure and motivates others while providing strong leadership during critical situations.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Robust knowledge of working with AI responsibly in corporate communications including policy comms / public affairs.
Experience within CPG is a plus.
What can you expect from Mars
Work with diverse and talented Associates all guided by the Five Principles.
Join a purpose driven company where were striving to build the world we want tomorrow today.
A strong focus on learning and development support from day one including access to our in-house Mars University.
An industry competitive salary and benefits package including company bonus.
The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below however base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge skills and total compensation package for this position will include variable pay medical and dental benefits participation in 401k plan and paid time off of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.
The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 134400.00 - USD 184800.00Required Experience:
Director
About Company
Mars proudly makes the treats, nutritious meals, and many of your favorite products. Learn why we’re ready to become a part of your family.